Psychology

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
1/6 - The Epiphany of Our Lord

I don't know why I'm asking this on here, but would it be worth my while (with the view of priesthood in mine) to take a general psychology course before I leave my undergraduate studies?

[heyyoimjohnny]

I, personally, would say yes. But it's just my preference, so there isn't any real reason to listen to me...

[Scofizzle]

I would say yes.....in fact I think it would be a good idea to take some upper level psycology courses too....my reasoning being that lets during a one on one meeting when someone comes to you with a serious problem you could understand the psycological aspect of their problem that they might not even know. I think that would be a great help when offering advice. The only problem I can see is over analyzing people and thinking you are a psycologist...

[Guest Eremite]

I couldn't hurt. But I think psychology is distinct from pastoral counsel, which a priest is called to give. Seminaries train priests to provide pastoral counsel, which proceeds from the perspective of faith, whereas psychology focuses on human disorders, and requires a specific focus. Father Benedict Groeschel is a true psychologist, in addition to being a priest.

But, like I said, it wouldn't hurt.

[Carrie]

Go for it! But we all know I'm biased.

[cmotherofpirl]

I think it is should be a prerequisite for the priesthood. If you can fit in an abnormal pysch class that too, can prove useful. Just pick your prof well.

[theculturewarrior]

I think that while psychology and priestly ministry diverge significantly in "theory and application," to use puffed up language, there is a happy meeting place that is all too rare for people like me. We need theologically minded psychologists and we need priests versed in abnormal psychology.

Imagine, if you will, a person suffering from severe scrupulosity being guided through an examination of conscience by a trained psychologist. Imagine a priest bringing healing to "severely disturbed persons." Honestly, I think this is a field I'd like to go into myself. I'm interested in that happy median.

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
1/6 - The Epiphany of Our Lord

Allright, I just signed up for a "beginner's" course.

[crusader1234]

Cmom, it actually is a prerequisite for becoming a Jesuit I think... And Pio Nono, I think it would help immeasurably. The more you understand how human emotions work the better you can understand how to relate with your parishoners and even God.

[XIX]

Maybe I should marry a psychology major. I need it!

[Carrie]

[quote name='XIX' date='Jan 7 2005, 02:22 AM'] Maybe I should marry a psychology major. I need it! [/quote]

[homeschoolmom]

Yeah, I think so. I'm glad you're taking one. I think it would be very helpful for all the reasons stated...

[theculturewarrior]

I would suggest that you take classes well beyond your intro if you find the intro interesting. May the earth abound with Father Groeschel's. +

[J.R.D]

it could probly be useful homie

[the_rev]

yes, I know a priest who majored in psychology

[toledo_jesus]

take what you can from secular psychology, and what it can't explain fill in with God. That's my view anyway.

[track2004]

Just as a psych student, my $.02 is that psych will probably help with priesthood. Not that it, esp lower level classes, will help with counceling, but that you may be more able to say that something isn't a personal flaw and could be a medical problem. I also think knowing how parts of the mind work allow people to work better with other people.

[musturde]

I know a priest who is a psychologist. He doesn't get paid and loves to help people.

[disturbedxfairy]

i think it would be a good idea. i actually think everyone should take at least general psychology once. it can help in almost any career. i took it last semester and am even thinking of minoring in it.